Ken Berry League

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YOU MAKE THE CALL!

There is a runner on third with 1 out.  the batter hits a fly ball to deep right field.  As the right fielder catches the ball the runner on third tags up properly and advances to home.  The right fielder throws home but the throw is to late and the runner crosses the plate ahead of the throw safely.  As the runner crosses the plate he fails to touch the plate and heads toward his dugout.  The catcher touches the plate by accident as he steps to throw the ball back to the pitcher.  The touching of the plate by the catcher was before the runner had entered the dugout.  You make the call.

A.  By touching the plate, the catcher has made an appeal of the missed base even though he did not ask for one.  Since the appeal was before the next play it is granted and the runner from third is called out by the umpire.

B.  Since the runner had not entered the dugout yet any attempt to appeal the missed base must be a tag of the runner since he can still return to touch the plate before he enters the dugout to correct his mistake.  The accidental touching of the plate by the catcher is nothing and the run scores.

C.  Since the runner failed to touch all of the bases in the proper order before entering the dugout he is out for abandoning his advance to a base.  He is out as soon as he enters the dugout.

D.  There is no such thing as an accidental appeal of a missed base.  Baring any appeal attempts prior to the next pitch or play the run scores.

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